I have looked into stem cell interventions, too. I think it is the way to go but I am concerned about the docs who perform the procedures. When I look at the websites, it looks so glitzy. I worry that some of these docs are just looking for money. It would be great to get into a program in a reputable hospital (like Mayo). So, I'm opting for cervical surgery to replace, not fuse 2 discs.

I am sure you have heard about the 'opioid epidemic'. Yes, we suffer because of the abuse of others. It is going to get even more difficult to get pain meds now. What to do????

When I was taking PT, the therapist used a hand held device that looked like a remote control. She called it acupuncture. I wonder if it is actually TAPPING???? She was using her fingers to determine where to do it. She said that it would take about 10 sessions for it to work. Since I am having surgeries, I decided to stop PT because I have a limited amount I can do and will need it after the surgeries.

Docs will not give anyone meds without seeing them first. There is no way for them to know if medical situations have changed. In the meantime, taking something like 3 high dose Advils might help to calm the pain down a bit. Of course, you have to be careful about stomach issues. I used to do that in order to keep my pain med supply for those unbearable days. Don't laugh, I KNOW it is not a pain killer by any means.

And it is NOT going to get any better. It IS going to get harder to get pain meds. I am only taking them when the pain is unbearable. My pain doc does not prescribe pain meds very easily. Damn, he won't prescribe any walking aide devices either. He feels I am too young (62 yo). I really don't know what age has to do with it????? If he wasn't so good at what he does, I wouldn't be seeing him and travel 2 hours to get to him.

That sounds like an activator some chiropractors use this tool Go to the website to see how you do Tapping ,you tap on certain areas of your body with your fingers.Tapping.com

I hope anyone on here who has real pain and are looked at as junkies when they try to get pain meds will write their reps in your state house and DC. The stuff people are OD'ing on are usually using street drugs and they are combined with anesthesia meds, horse tranquilizers and any number of other things that will kill on first use. I realize some may have got started because of over-prescribing, but we have had a heroin problem in the US that only declined because of the prevalence of cocaine, crack, and meth. Now, countries south of our border have realized an opportunity:yes, it comes from across the pond also! A wall is not gonna solve the demand side of the equation as long as there is a supply side. It is as simple as the econ I was taught with guns and butter. Demand and supply will always find equilibrium. Those of us who have pain that the doctors can not make go away, deserve access to drugs that will allow for some quality of life.

I believe tapping works with the same energy points that acupuncture, reflexology, and Qigong use. In fact, recently my Qigong teacher has added tapping to our regimine of building and harvesting Chi, (energy). When I was the most depressed my couch guy had me do "Thought Field Therapy" which if I have the words right is the only Patented form of tapping. I used to stop intrusive thought that were really messing with my head. It only took 2 days to solve the problem. It's amazing stuff. If you haven't do, it can't hurt and it takes very little time.

Well said.Street produced Fentanyl is a real problem and killer.

@grandmar

If you need walking aids, you might consider looking at thrift stores. They always have a variety of medical durables for a lot less than medical supply stores.

Jim

That's a great idea. I never thought of that. Thanks!
ronnie